Whispers of the Heart

XXIV. Farewell Party

The campus buzzed with energy as students prepared for the end-of-semester events. Sunoo's departure for Italy loomed ever closer, and the friends had decided to throw a farewell party for him. The preparations were in full swing, and everyone was determined to make it a night to remember.

Vivi stood in her dorm room, trying to focus on tying ribbons around the party favors, but her mind kept drifting to Sunoo. The thought of him leaving left a hollow feeling in her chest. She knew tonight would be one of their last chances to spend time together before he left, and she was determined to make it count.

The evening arrived, and the group gathered in the common room, which they had decorated with streamers, balloons, and photos from their time together. A large banner reading "Bon Voyage, Sunoo!" hung above the entrance.

"Everything looks great," Niko said, admiring their handiwork. "Sunoo's going to love it."

Riki grinned, holding up a tray of snacks. "Let's just hope the food's up to his standards."

Mika rolled her eyes playfully. "He'll love it. It's the thought that counts."

Vivi entered the room, carrying a cake she had baked herself. "Hey, everyone. I hope this turns out okay."

"It looks amazing, Vivi!" Mika exclaimed, helping her place it on the table. "Sunoo's going to be so touched."

As the party started, Sunoo arrived, greeted by cheers and applause from his friends. His eyes widened as he took in the decorations and the effort everyone had put into making the evening special.

"Wow, you guys," Sunoo said, his voice filled with emotion. "This is incredible. Thank you so much."

Niko clapped him on the back. "You deserve it, Sunoo. We're really going to miss you."

Sunoo's gaze found Vivi's, and they shared a moment of silent understanding. Vivi smiled, trying to mask the sadness she felt inside.

The night was filled with laughter and reminiscing. They played games, shared stories, and even sang karaoke. Despite the fun, an undercurrent of melancholy ran through the evening, a reminder of the impending farewell.

As the party wound down, the group gathered in a circle, each taking a moment to share their thoughts and wishes for Sunoo.

Mika started, her voice trembling slightly. "Sunoo, you've been such an amazing friend. Italy is going to be so lucky to have you. Don't forget to write!"

Niko nodded in agreement. "And send lots of pictures. We want to see everything you're up to."

Riki added, "Just don't forget us when you become a big shot over there."

Sunoo laughed, though his eyes were misty. "I could never forget you guys. You've been like family to me."

Finally, it was Vivi's turn. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding. "Sunoo, I know we haven't always said everything we wanted to, but I want you to know how much you mean to me. This isn't goodbye, just... see you later. Okay?"

Sunoo's eyes locked onto hers, his voice soft. "Okay, Vivi. See you later."

As the night came to a close, the friends began to leave one by one, each sharing a final hug with Sunoo. Soon, it was just Sunoo and Vivi standing in the now quiet common room.

Sunoo turned to her, his expression gentle. "Thank you for the party, Vivi. It meant a lot to me."

Vivi smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. You deserve it."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Finally, Sunoo broke the silence.

"I'm going to miss you, Vivi. More than I can say."

Vivi felt tears prick her eyes. "I'm going to miss you too, Sunoo. So much."

He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to brush a tear from her cheek. "Promise me we'll stay in touch."

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I promise."

They embraced, holding each other tightly as if trying to memorize the feeling of being close. When they finally pulled away, there was a sense of finality, but also a promise of something more in the future.

The next morning, the group gathered at the airport to see Sunoo off. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and sorrow. They exchanged hugs and farewells, trying to keep their spirits up.

Sunoo turned to Vivi, his eyes filled with emotion. "I'll write to you as soon as I get there."

Vivi nodded, her throat tight with emotion. "I'll be waiting."

As Sunoo walked towards the security gate, he glanced back one last time, their eyes meeting in a silent goodbye. With a final wave, he disappeared from view.

Vivi stood there, feeling a mix of emptiness and hope. She knew this was just the beginning of a new chapter, one that held the promise of future reunions and unspoken words finally finding their voice.

The days after Sunoo's departure felt strangely empty. The routine of university life continued, but there was a noticeable void where Sunoo used to be. Vivi found herself missing the little things: his laughter, his encouragement, and the way he always knew how to make her smile.

One afternoon, Mika found Vivi sitting alone in the garden, staring off into the distance.

"Hey," Mika said softly, sitting down beside her. "How are you holding up?"

Vivi sighed, her gaze still distant. "I miss him. More than I thought I would."

Mika placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay to miss him, Vivi. But remember, he's not gone forever. You'll see each other again."

Vivi nodded, trying to hold onto that thought. "I know. It's just hard right now."

Mika smiled gently. "And that's okay. Just take it one day at a time."

Meanwhile, Sunoo was adjusting to life in Italy. The city was beautiful, and his studies were fascinating, but there was always a part of him that felt incomplete without his friends, especially Vivi.

One evening, he sat in his small apartment, looking out at the city lights. He picked up his phone and started typing a message to Vivi.

Sunoo: Hey, Vivi. I hope you're doing okay. Italy is amazing, but I miss you and everyone else so much. How's everything back home?

Vivi smiled when she saw the message, her heart feeling a little lighter.

Vivi: Hey, Sunoo. We miss you too! Everything's fine here, just not the same without you. Tell me all about Italy!

Their messages continued back and forth, sharing their experiences and keeping each other updated. It wasn't the same as being together, but it was enough to remind them of their bond and the promise of future reunions.

Back in Seoul, the friends continued to support each other. Niko, Riki, and Mika made sure Vivi was never alone, inviting her to study sessions, movie nights, and outings. They knew it would take time for the ache of Sunoo's absence to fade, but they were determined to make sure she never felt alone.

One evening, as they sat together in the common room, Niko brought up an idea. "How about we plan a trip to Italy? Visit Sunoo and see all the amazing places he's been talking about."

Vivi's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds amazing! I'd love to see him again."

Riki grinned. "Then it's settled. We'll start saving up and make it happen."

The thought of visiting Sunoo gave Vivi something to look forward to, a light at the end of the tunnel. As she looked around at her friends, she felt a sense of gratitude. They had been her rock during this difficult time, and she knew she was lucky to have them.

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